Residential Pool Closing
If a pool has been properly prepared and maintained during the winter months, it can be opened with relatively little effort the following season. If not, procedures may be complicated by problems such as; improper water chemistry, malfunctioning pump or heaters, and dirty filters. The equipment may need to be cleaned thoroughly or serviced prior to starting the circulation system.
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Swimming Pool Closing
Per the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, when freezing temperatures are expected, an in-ground swimming pool or spa should be completely winterized by cleaning, balancing, and treating the swimming pool water and protecting the pool and equipment from weather related problems. It is necessary to winterize the plumbing and the equipment before it freezes. This is also a good time to check the functionality of all equipment to make sure everything is in safe and proper working order. After we have inspected the structure, plumbing, and equipment, we will make recommendations on any repairs that may be needed in the spring.
Closing your swimming pool for the year should be handled by a professional. Our Certified Maintenance Specialists and Certified Service Technicians use only the industries best practices for closing your swimming pool.
Water level for closing the pool depends on the type of cover you use. See below for the recommend levels.
- Safety cover – Lower water 18″ below skimmer face plate
- Autocovers – Lower water 1” below the opening of the skimmer face plate
- Tarp – Lower water 4” below the bottom of the skimmer face plate
*To avoid additional charges please have the water lowered to the specified level prior to our arrival.
Equipment that needs to be out to complete the closing.
- Safety cover – Check cover for any damage from mice or age and check springs for damage.
- Autocover – Make sure cover has power to switch and key is in switch/lock.
- Tarp – Check tarp for any holes or tears, check water bags for leaks, garden hose to fill water bags if NWP will be filling.
*Make sure there are no leaks in the pool liner, autocover, or tarp cover before closing. Failure to do so can cause serious damage to the pool liner, autocover, or tarp cover.
Additional equipment or chemicals to have out prior to closing.
- Safety cover
- Plugs and gizmos
- Aquadors
- Liquid Chlorine
- Algaecide
- Stain and Scale
- Metal Free
- Non-toxic Antifreeze
Closing Services
- Remove debris from pool
- Lower water level
- Test and adjust water chemistry
- Remove handrails and ladders
- Remove lights
- Raise deck anchors for safety cover
- Replace and fill water tubes
- Replace any return plates that are damaged
- Blow out all lines and add non-toxic antifreeze
- Install winter plugs
- Remove plugs from equipment and place in pump basket
- Remove pins from timers or disable automation controller
- Empty erosion feeder and leave the Chlorine pucks out to dry by the equipment
- Add closing chemicals
- Remove ORP and pH probes from automation system and seal in salt solution
- Turn power off to automation, pumps, heaters, lights, etc.
- Place winter cover on pool, replace any buckles or springs on safety covers, extract and replace any damaged brass anchors
- Make recommendations on any repairs that might be needed in the spring.
- Scheduling requires a deposit of $400.00
Tips to keep costs down
These items will make for less labor on your closing service.
- Raise the free Chlorine level between 5 ppm and 10 ppm
- Adjust pH between 7.2 ppm and 7.8 ppm
- Adjust Total Alkalinity to between 80 ppm and 120 ppm
- Lower water to suggested level per winter cover type
- Remove any large debris from pool (leaves), equipment area, and deck (furniture, basketball hoops, volleyball nets, pool toys, etc.)
- Unlock any gates or doors to equipment or pool area
- Make sure autocover pump is on the autocover removing water
- Make sure there is an electrical outlet with power available for use